The Elusive Book Keeper

"It seems like they are evenly matched." Zane said as he watched the two heavy men that have collided with each other more times than was required.

"Adam would win." Kaku said, his eyes focused on the match.

The two men were fast and strong. Their arms were bulging with explosive force as they struck each other over and over again.

Zane smiled at Kaku, 'Is this his instinct as a warrior', "Why do you think that Brother Kaku?"

Kaku's face was serious as he lectured, "In matters like this, it all comes down to skill. Adam is a member of the Scorpion Merchant Caravan. He has more access to better skills.'

Zane thought over what Kaku said.. Without a doubt, in any evenly matched battle, it came down to who has the equipment or skill.

"Brother Kaku, shouldn't it be whoever makes better use of their skill."

Kaku shook his head, "No, a child with a gun is more dangerous than an ȧduŀt without one."

Zane's eyes showed astonishment as he repeated the words to himself, "That's really deep, Brother Kaku."

Even Kaku was a little embarrassed to be acknowledged so openly for something he had no idea about, "It is not my words, Captain likes to say it."

'Of course, it is not your words! The Elven Archer is obsessed with skills.'

"Wow! Your Captain seems pretty amazing, I would love to meet him someday. It looks like the tie is breaking."

With this Kaku's attention went back to the match however Lexi gave Zane a deep look.

Adam's eyes were purple and his stance changed, his fingernails stretched forming a claw and he slashed towards his opponent.

{Berserker Slash!}

His attack did not cause much damage because his opponent had activated his defence equipment, it was a Common Breastplate that could be seen everywhere.

Moreover, the Breastplate now looked dull and was cracked in various places after taking a slash from Adam.

Adam roared like a beast and leapt up. His Berserkers slash was in Lv3. This match is his.

{Berserker Slash}

______

"Brother Kaku, I truly enjoyed myself. I will be hoping for you to take me somewhere next time."

Kaku laughed loudly as he kept nodding his head.

Zane left the 'Wild Hut' and entered the car. He smiled at Lexi.

"Today, I troubled you."

Lexi shook her head, "Young master, accompanying you today is an honour."

A little more, Zane leaned his head on the back of the car seat and closed his eyes.

"Young master. Are you perhaps interested in the Elven Archer?" Lexi asked. She did not mean to pry but as Zane's buŧŧer, she needed to understand him to serve him better.

"Who isn't?" Zane replied casually.

Lexi narrowed her eyes. It is true that the Alpha team captain is someone young master Zane should recruit to his side if he wants to win over his brother. However, it was not so easy.

"Young master, The Elven Archer has been seen so many times with your cousin, second...no third young master Henry. Third young master Henry is good friends with the Elven Archer's younger brother."

Seeing that Zane was sleeping, she reduced the car temperature and put on a slow relaxing song. She was still feeling worried.

Out of the now three contestants for headship, her master's position was the most delicate.

It was a catastrophe when he died in a dungeon accident and Master Andre became the family Lord. Many people still believed that it was Master Andre that killed Master Charles. It is still unknown how many people have sworn loyalty to Young Master Henry.

Second Young master Xavier was not lacking either. Although he never attended parties or gatherings, his mother, Lady Su Yanyi was the only daughter of Su Chen, the chairman of the Su Conglomerate. It was also well known that he was the apple of the Old Family Lord's eyes.

First Young master Zane was really unfortunate. It was unusual that an illegitimate son is called to recognize the ancestors in such a delicate situation.

Young Master Zane's mother was not from any reputable family. He had no support. No guild, no elder or any family connected to him.

'However' Lexi's eyes gleamed. 'He is the eldest young master of the Valois family. That alone would bring supporters to their table.'

Zane of course did not know that his future path to the throne was being carved by his butler. His mind was still on the matches he watched today as he tried to sort out the matches he watched today.

'7 flaws' he said to the system in his mind.

[32 flaws] The system disagreed.

'Adam had that many flaws, where else?' He asked.

Zane smiled. He could not wait for his eighteenth birthday. He wished the next three weeks would fly past.

___

"Young Master?" Lexi asked.

"Eh"

Lexi got out and opened the door. 

Zane got out from the car and marvelled at the Valois family mansion. It was magnificent and glorious displaying their unparalleled status and financial resources.

Not only did it intimidate the guests, but it also served as a reminder to the occupants of the mansion. He could still not believe this grand house was now his home. He grinned.

"I'm home."

"Welcome back, young master Zane."

Three lines appeared on Zane's face. While he was initially touched, now he was just thinking.

'Are these people shooting an isekai anime?'

'Is it a transmigration genre?'

'Who still wants by the door to welcome people in this century?'

He smiled extra warmly at them, "Thank you but you guys don't need to do this again."

The female butler nodded and followed him into the house. It was strangely quiet. "Will young master Zane like to have his dinner now?"

Zane was a little surprised, "Won't we have dinner together?"

The female butler shook her head, "Master Xavier left for.... Young master Xavier has had his dinner. He is in the training room."

'So much for hurrying room'

"I would like to have dinner now."

As he ate his Yam with Red Dates and Longan Soup, his happy mood slightly diminished.

For 95% of his life, he had eaten his dinner alone but it was different in Cloud city.

In Cloud City, the dining was small, just enough for four people but the dining table at the Valois mansion was extremely long, making him, the sole person here, feel even more lonely.

For some unknown reason, his ċhėst felt stuffy and his nose sore. He wondered why. He has never felt like this no matter how much his mother schemed or how alone he had felt before high school.

He should not have dismissed Lexi and other maids that were waiting upon him. He laughed a little and started at the food silently. He was so young, why was he feeling exhausted? He rubbed his eyes.

[You have an incoming voice transmission] The system reminded him

"Cancel it." He was not in the mood to talk to anybody.

[It is from your mother.]

"Oh! Accept it."

_____

Xavier immediately turned and left. He wanted to spare Zane his pride. He had just gone to collect the ring he left on the table. He did not expect to see a depressed and crying Zane. 

The brother he remembered in the morning was so full of smiles and sunshine. But how could it be that easy, he was thrust from everyone and everything he knew. Why won't he cry? He was just a child after all.